How To Stay Healthy During The Holiday Season

How To Stay Healthy During The Holiday Season

Staying healthy during the holiday season can seem like a huge unobtainable goal. Especially when you start to think about all of the sweet baked treats, dinner parties filled with carbs, adult drinks, and many days of being a couch potato because it is just too cold to go outside. You know, all of the awesomeness that comes along with the holiday season. Seriously, it's the most wonderful time of the year (in my Andy Williams voice).

Although it is holiday tradition to be just a tad bit unhealthy, it is easier than you think to break that cycle. Through experience I have realized that by adjusting a few things in your daily life, it is not hard at all to remain healthy this time of the year. Trust me - it serves no purpose buying cute clothes for the holiday that is not going to look as flattering on a month later.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holidays WITHOUT the extra weight gain...

Avoid Unnecessary Dessert Indulgence...

Just because pies and truffles are in your face all day does not mean you have to eat it. Keep healthy snacks on you at all times, like dry fruit and nuts, to help combat those cravings. It is okay to have a single slice of pie or a glass of rich eggnog, but pick your poison and step away from the dessert table. Moderation is key.

Step Your Workouts Up A Notch...

If you want to eat holiday treats and have lazy days, plan on having pretty intense workouts. Step up your cardio so you can burn those extra calories. There are two choices: enjoy the extra sweets and carbs, but workout like a maniac or stick to a strict diet and keep the same gym routine.

Portion Control...

Do not... I repeat, do not pile food on your plate. Always remember that your eyes will forever be larger than your stomach. If you're like me and would like to try everything on the buffet table, get a small sample of each. It is completely unnecessary to feel like a stuffed turkey because of greed when you can satisfy your taste buds and tummy all at once. Do not eat any more than you would on a regular day.

Find Healthier Substitutions...

Try to ditch the empty calories and extra carbs by finding healthier alternatives. There are so many ways to eat cleaner during the holiday season without losing out on the flavor that you love. Indulge smart this season. Check out these healthy holiday recipes here.

Get Tipsy The Healthy Way...

Did you know there were healthy alternatives when it came to drinking alcohol? Personally, I do more drinking than usual around the holidays. Between holiday festivities and relaxing with friends and family, an alcoholic beverage in the picture is just natural. I try to drink clean. Here are a few ways to do that:

Drink your liquor straight, on the rocks, or with sparkling water - liquor without mixers have zero carbs and only around 100 calories per serving

Limit the wine - although red wine has a lot of health benefits it also contains a bit more calories than liquor

Ditch the beer - the bloating is so not worth it

Drink plenty of water - drinking water while drinking alcohol not only keeps you hydrated, but it flushes out the alcohol faster

Stay Focused...

Holiday season is no excuse to be lazy. Stay focused on your daily workout routines and eating regimen. It helps if I create a log and jot down everything that I ate for the day. It helps me stay on track and makes me feel guilty when I've had one too many slices of pumpkin pie. By all means, have fun this season, but keep your eyes on your ultimate health goals.

That's all folks!

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned a few ways to avoid falling off of your healthy lifestyle routines around the holidays. Remember, if you want a treat... eat the treat and then stop and don't look back. Keep it all in moderation.

What are some tips that you have to help stay healthy during the holidays? Please share in the comments below.